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Deregulation, market competition, and innovation of utilities: Evidence from Japanese electric sector

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  • Wang, Nan
  • Mogi, Gento

Abstract

This paper explores the determinants of electric utility innovation, and examines the impact of electric sector deregulation and market competition on it using a balanced panel database of nine Japanese utilities from 1978 to 2014. Both input (R&D expenditure) and output (patent application number and patent quality) aspects of innovations are examined. The empirical results indicate that deregulation and market competition decrease the former, but increase the latter. These results are followed by a discussion on why this scenario occurs. The results also suggest that, after deregulation, utilities focus more on short-term, business-oriented R&D projects. Hence, we call for governments to support long-term, public-oriented, and environmental research in the electric sector.

Suggested Citation

  • Wang, Nan & Mogi, Gento, 2017. "Deregulation, market competition, and innovation of utilities: Evidence from Japanese electric sector," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 111(C), pages 403-413.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:111:y:2017:i:c:p:403-413
    DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2017.09.044
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    9. Yu Hu & David Soler Soneira & Mar'ia Jes'us S'anchez, 2020. "Barriers to grid-connected battery systems: Evidence from the Spanish electricity market," Papers 2007.00486, arXiv.org, revised Nov 2020.
    10. Liu, Yunqiang & Liu, Sha & Shao, Xiaoyu & He, Yanqiu, 2022. "Policy spillover effect and action mechanism for environmental rights trading on green innovation: Evidence from China's carbon emissions trading policy," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 153(C).

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